Why does the car shake when running at high speed?
4 Answers
The reasons for car shaking at high speed are: 1. Inaccurate front wheel alignment angle, excessive toe-in; 2. Low front tire pressure or unbalanced tires due to repairs; 3. Deformed front wheel rims or unequal number of tire bolts; 4. Loose installation of transmission system components. Solutions for body shaking include: 1. First lift the drive axle, place safety blocks for the front wheels, start the engine and gradually shift to higher gears to make the drive wheels reach the final test vibration speed. If both the body and steering wheel shake at this time, it is vibration caused by the transmission system; 2. Check whether the front wheel alignment angles and toe-in meet the requirements, and adjust if inaccurate; 3. Lift the front axle and test rotate the wheels to check the static balance of the wheels and whether the tires are excessively deformed. If necessary, replace with good wheels for comparison tests.
I think the car shakes when running at high speed, which is quite common. I've been driving for over 20 years and encountered this issue several times. The main reason is mostly due to unbalanced tires; if the wheels aren't balanced properly, they wobble at high speeds. It could also be uneven tire wear or bulging/deformation, especially noticeable on rough roads. Additionally, an aging suspension system, like worn shock absorbers or ball joints, can transmit such vibrations, sometimes even making the steering wheel tremble. If the car is old, uneven brake rotors or loose wheel hub bearings can also cause trouble. My advice? Go to a tire shop immediately for dynamic balancing and four-wheel alignment—it won't cost much and can solve the problem. Don't delay, as it's too dangerous for long-distance driving and could lead to loss of control.
If your car shakes at high speeds, as someone who repairs cars, I know the key lies in the wheel area. The most common issue is wheel balance problems, such as missing balancing weights or dirt on the rims. Next, check for uneven tire pressure or severe wear, as imbalance can cause significant vehicle bouncing. Loose suspension links or bushings can also transmit vibrations, especially noticeable during turns. Don’t overlook problems with the driveshaft universal joints, like torn rubber boots, which can cause wobbling at high speeds. For diagnosis, start with the basics: measure tire pressure, check for rim deformation, and if needed, inspect on a lift. Regular maintenance should include wheel cleaning and periodic balancing to prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs. For safety, avoid highways if the shaking is severe.
If the car shakes at high speeds, and you commute daily on highways, the first thought should be safety—don't take it lightly. It could be due to tires being out of round or issues with the suspension system, like a broken shock absorber causing unsettling vibrations; loose wheel bolts are also common, especially on bumpy roads. If the shaking occurs only at specific speeds, say between 80 to 100 mph, it's likely a balancing issue. I recommend slowing down immediately, pulling over to check tire pressure and the condition of the wheels. If you notice cracks or bulges, change to the spare tire right away. Never ignore these signs—a blowout or loss of control could be disastrous. During regular maintenance, have a technician inspect the wheel condition as a preventive measure.
